Violinist Nigel Kennedy has spoken out about children allegedly being sexually abused at the music school where he was a student.

The 56-year-old, who was a pupil at Yehudi Menuhin School in Cobham, Surrey, levelled accusations against the late pianist Marcel Gazelle.

It has been claimed that Gazelle, who died in 1969 and was the founding music director of the school, abused girls in its bedrooms in the Sixties.

On Channel 4 News, Mr Kennedy, who was at the school at the time, said: “I just know that Marcel Gazelle was a repeat offender and it wasn’t a one-off thing. It’s a disgrace really that people’s trust has been abused in such a way.” In an investigation by the programme broadcast last night, three women said Gazelle sexually abused them.

Irita Kutchmy, who studied with him from the age of nine to 12, said: “He would tickle me under the sheets. His hands were on my bare skin where they shouldn’t be.” One woman said she told the school at the time, and was told to avoid being on her own with him.

In an unconnected case, police are investigating more than 30 teachers from two Manchester music schools over claims of sexual abuse of pupils.

Ten “key suspects” have taught at Chetham’s School of Music or the Royal Northern College of Music. The alleged victims came forward after the trial of Michael Brewer, 68, former head of music at Chetham’s.

At Manchester Crown Court in March he was jailed for six years after being found guilty of indecently assaulting a pupil more than 30 years ago.

The family of Gazelle said he was a good man and they were surprised by the claims, which they dispute entirely. The school said it was “shocked and saddened to learn of the allegations.

“We have checked the records which survive from 50 years ago and can find nothing about any concerns expressed at the time. In accordance with our policies we have reported these serious allegations to Surrey police.”

Yehudi Menuhin School was set up by the famous violinist in 1963. It teaches more than 60 pupils aged eight to 19. It is supported by the Department for Education. Parents contribute to the cost of their child’s education according to ability to pay.